News
Prime Minister wants Welsh Government to reconsider Withybush downgrade plans
THE PRIME MINISTER has said that she shares the worries and concerns of Pembrokeshire people over plans to downgrade Withybush General Hospital and to remove A&E services.
Theresa May said that concern is being felt, especially by those who live furthest away from the site of a planned new hospital between Narberth and St Clears.
Mrs May said: “Health is a devolved matter for the Labour Welsh Government. But I would urge The Welsh Government fully to consider the impact of these changes on local residents”
She added: “We want to be able to ensure that people can access the services they need wherever they live in the United Kingdom.”
The words of support for healthcare provision in Pembrokeshire were in response to a question by raised Stephen Crabb MP in Parliament this week.
The Member of Preseli Pembrokeshire called for Welsh Government to look again at plans to close A&E at Pembrokeshire’s general hospital.
He said: “For rural communities, access to emergency care is hugely important with distance and journey times extremely crucial.”
His question was: “Does the prime minster therefore agree with me and the 40,000 Pembrokeshire people who have signed the petition against proposals to remove the A&E from the local hospital that Welsh Government need to look again at this and ensure that communities like this aren’t left with second class services that put lives at risk?”
Following Wednesday’s Prime Minister’s Questions, Stephen Crabb told The Herald: “Access to emergency care in rural areas of huge importance and distances and journey times are crucial. I’m pleased the Prime Minister has urged the Welsh Labour Government to think of the impact these changes would have on local residents, changes which would leave Pembrokeshire with second class services that put lives at risk.”
Charity
Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities
ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.
The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.
This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.
For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.
Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.
Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.
Charity
£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital
THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.
Their 37th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.
They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.
The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.
Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.
“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”
Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.
Community
Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success
NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.
Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.
The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.
The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.
A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.
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